Research education shaped by musical sensibilities

Abstract

Based on my own research education courses for doctoral students, I examine the ways in which music provides powerful and rich models for perception, conceptualisation and engagement for both listeners and performers, to cultivate the processes and products of qualitative research in the social science in general, and in music education in particular. I discuss temporality and fluidity, listening and improvisation, originally terms associated with music, and their ramifications for qualitative inquiry. I then present some concrete examples from my research course, not as prescriptions to follow but as invitations for readers to generate their own activities and experiences.